Olive Garden Spaghetti & Meatballs
Classic Italian comfort – spaghetti, rich marinara, and tender beef meatballs. About $13.99-$16.49 and roughly 980 calories per serving.
Explore the GuideSpaghetti & Meatballs Overview
The familiar favorite
Classic Italian Comfort
Short answer: Spaghetti & Meatballs is Olive Garden’s classic tomato-based entrée – spaghetti pasta, marinara sauce, and seasoned beef meatballs, priced about $13.99 to $16.49 with roughly 980 calories.
Spaghetti & Meatballs at Olive Garden is one of those meals people order when they want something familiar and filling. This dish sits in the main entrée category, but it feels like everyday food rather than a special-occasion plate.
Some order it for nostalgia. Others just want something safe after a long day. It is also one of the more customizable entrées, and it has been a longstanding menu item since the early Olive Garden era.
Quick Facts
At a glance
Price
About $13.99 to $16.49 (varies by location).
Calories
Around 940 to 1,020 per serving – about 980 typical.
Serving
1 plate: spaghetti, marinara sauce, 2 to 3 meatballs.
Menu Status
Longstanding menu item; permanent in most locations.
Availability
Yes – served during lunch and dinner hours.
What Is It Made Of?
Three parts, one classic
Pasta, Sauce & Meatballs
This dish is built on three main parts: pasta, sauce, and meatballs. The spaghetti is standard durum wheat pasta. The marinara brings tomato sweetness with herbs and garlic.
The meatballs are seasoned ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs and spices for texture and flavour. A light olive oil blend keeps the pasta from sticking, and optional parmesan adds salty sharpness on top.
Spaghetti Pasta
The base that carries sauce and adds bulk to the dish.
Marinara Sauce
Tomato sauce with herbs, garlic, and mild sweetness.
Meatballs
Seasoned ground beef with breadcrumbs and spices.
Italian Seasoning
Oregano, basil, and blended herbs for aroma.
Parmesan Cheese
Optional topping that adds salty sharpness.
Ingredients and formulations may vary by location. Always check Olive Garden’s official allergen guide for the most current information.
Calories and Nutrition
What the numbers mean
| Nutrient | What to know |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~980 per serving (range 940-1,020) |
| Sodium | High – normal for restaurant pasta, not ideal for daily eating |
| Protein | Decent thanks to the meatballs; feels more filling than plain pasta |
| Carbohydrates | Heavy – can feel like a lot if you are watching portions |
| Fat | Comes mainly from meatballs and cheese topping |
Sodium Watch
The sodium is high, which is normal for restaurant pasta dishes.
Protein
Decent protein thanks to the meatballs, so it feels filling.
Vs. Fettuccine Alfredo
Slightly lighter in fat than Alfredo, but still a full comfort meal.
How Much Does It Cost?
Pricing
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Dinner entrée | $13.99 – $16.49 |
| Lunch portion | $10.99 – $14.99 (where available) |
| Box / value meal | $10.99 – $14.99 (limited offers) |
Pricing depends on location, but Olive Garden keeps this dish in the mid-range category. Prices vary by location and may have changed since this was written.
What Does It Taste Like?
Flavor profile
Warm, Familiar, Satisfying
The first thing you notice is the smell – warm tomato sauce, a bit of garlic, and that slightly sweet Italian aroma. The marinara is balanced rather than sharp.
The meatballs are tender and well-seasoned, and the spaghetti carries the sauce in every forkful. Compared with Olive Garden’s Fettuccine Alfredo, this dish feels lighter and cleaner on the palate.
Contains
Meat and cheese; meatballs contain beef.
Dairy
Cheese topping and possible dairy in sauce.
Gluten
Not gluten-free – spaghetti is wheat-based.
Halal
Beef sourcing not certified halal.
Sodium
Relatively high, typical of pasta entrées.
Can You Customize It?
Make it yours
Extra Meatballs
Add extra meatballs for a higher-protein meal.
Sauce Swap
Swap marinara for a spicier tomato sauce where available.
Lighten It
Remove the cheese topping for a lighter version.
Add Veggies
Add mushrooms or spinach in some locations.
Extra Sauce
Request extra sauce if you prefer a juicier pasta.
Order Smart
Most customizations are handled easily through the Olive Garden app.
Spaghetti & Meatballs vs. Similar Items
How it compares
Spaghetti with Marinara
The lighter tomato classic – spaghetti in marinara without the meatballs, at about $10.99-$13.99 and roughly 310 calories. Choose this when you want the same comforting tomato flavor in a simpler, lighter plate.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Cream-based, richer and heavier – the signature parmesan-cream sauce at $14.99 and 1,010 calories. Pick Alfredo when you crave creamy indulgence; pick meatballs when you want hearty tomato comfort.
Lasagna Classico
Baked layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese – a deeper, more complex Italian bake. Choose lasagna when you want something more substantial and restaurant-special than the everyday spaghetti plate.
Is It Still Available in 2026?
Menu status
Yes
Still available in 2026 at most Olive Garden locations, part of the core pasta menu.
Ordering Tip
Ordering through the Olive Garden app is usually the smoothest option; dine-in gives the freshest experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers
How many calories are in Spaghetti & Meatballs?
About 980 calories per serving. The exact number can vary slightly depending on portion size and location. Most of the calories come from pasta and meatballs.
What is Spaghetti & Meatballs made of?
It is made of spaghetti pasta, marinara sauce, and seasoned beef meatballs. Some locations also add Parmesan cheese on top. The sauce is tomato based with herbs and garlic.
Is Spaghetti & Meatballs vegan?
No, it is not vegan. The meatballs contain beef and the dish may include cheese. There are no plant-based meat alternatives in this item.
Is Spaghetti & Meatballs gluten-free?
No, it is not gluten-free. The spaghetti is made from wheat, which contains gluten. There is no gluten-free version of this specific dish.
How much does Spaghetti & Meatballs cost?
It usually costs between $13.99 and $16.49 depending on location. Combo meals or promotions may change the final price. Taxes and add-ons are extra.
Is Spaghetti & Meatballs still available in 2026?
Yes, it is still available in 2026 at most Olive Garden restaurants. It is part of the standard pasta menu. Availability can vary slightly by location.
Can you customize Spaghetti & Meatballs?
Yes, you can add extra meatballs, adjust sauce, or remove cheese. Some locations also allow small ingredient swaps. The app makes customization easier.
Is Spaghetti & Meatballs healthy?
Not really, it is more of a comfort meal than a health food. It is high in calories, carbs, and sodium. It works best as an occasional treat rather than a daily meal.
A Timeless Plate
Spaghetti & Meatballs is not a dish that surprises you – and that is exactly why it works. Familiar, filling, and fairly priced. Prices vary by location; check the official Olive Garden menu for current prices near you.
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